The oval or ring-shaped sweet yeast bread is typically decorated with vibrant purple, green, and gold sugar or icing.

If you find the baby in your slice of king cake, congratulations! You get to be "king" or "queen" for the day. But you also have a responsibility: Tradition dictates you must host the next Mardi Gras party or buy the next king cake, according to New Orleans.com.

One of America's biggest cultural celebrations, Mardi Gras, will take place soon, just before the start of the Easter season. Here's what to expect.

As Mardi Gras returns to the Windy City on Tuesday, March 4, the area's top destinations are celebrating with NOLA-inspired fêtes, luxe dining experiences and tempting libations. Let the good times roll and get into the spirit at these Windy City hot spots.

Don't forget the desserts in your Mardi Gras spread! From king cake to beignets and bread pudding to bananas foster, Food & Wine has the best Mardi Gras dessert recipes for your festivities.